Ever wondered how mice know if they are going to be boys or girls? It all starts with something called primordial germ cells (PGCs). These are like the building blocks for eggs and sperm. They hang out in the embryo and eventually become either an egg or a sperm cell. But how do they decide? It'
In India, the dairy industry is massive. It's the world's top producer and consumer of dairy products. But there's a hidden problem. Antibiotics are often misused, leading to antibiotic resistance. This isn't just a problem for cows; it's a public health issue. Farmers, farm workers, and even the en
Ever wondered what makes some people live incredibly long lives? These folks, known as supercentenarians, are people who have lived past 110 years. They often have amazing mental and physical health, which is why scientists are so interested in them. By studying these super agers, we can learn a
Chronic low back pain is a widespread issue affecting many people around the world. It's a common problem that can make everyday activities challenging. Despite this, many people with chronic low back pain do not engage in regular exercise, even though it is highly recommended as a key part of manag
Imagine this: A surgeon with a big vision for healthier school lunches is up for a major job. Dr. Marty Makary, a well-known figure from Johns Hopkins University, is in the running to lead the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If he gets the job, he's got some big plans. First off, he
The world loves the sitcom "Friends, " but not everyone who worked on it has happy memories. Stephen Park, who appeared in a couple of episodes, has a different story to tell. He describes the set as a "toxic environment. " Park recalled that during his time on the show, an assistant director used
The gut is like a border patrol, keeping the outside world from invading the body. It does this through a mix of specialized cells and helpful bacteria. These cells have tiny gates that let in important nutrients and keep out harmful stuff. The gates are like little doors that open and close, contro
Rock climbing is a sport where figuring out how hard a route is can be really tricky. There are different ways to rate how tough a climb is, but there's no official rulebook. As more people climb and the sport becomes a big deal at the Olympics, it's important to have a fair way to decide how hard a
Imagine this: tiny, super-absorbent sponges that can soak up harmful medicines from our water. These aren't your average sponges; they're called metal organic frameworks, or MOFs for short. Scientists have been busy figuring out how to use these MOFs to get rid of ibuprofen and naproxen, two common
The FCFP (SA) exam is a big deal for family medicine registrars in South Africa. It's a test that covers both written and clinical skills. The exam is designed to make sure that future family doctors are ready to handle real-life situations. It's not just about knowing facts; it's about applying tha
